Northern Ireland First Minister Paul Givan is expected to announce his resignation by the end of the week, potentially later today.
It is believed that the DUP plan to release a statement today (Thursday) announcing the resignation of First Minister Paul Givan.
It is not clear if the statement would entail an immediate resignation or a resignation in the coming days.
Due to power-sharing rules, if Mr. Givan steps down Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill would also lose her position. It is believed that other ministers will remain in place in thier departments.
That would prevent the coalition from agreeing a three-year budget – a spending plan that is currently out for public consultation.
A planned official state apology by Mr Givan and Ms O’Neill to victims of historic institution abuse, scheduled for March, could also not happen.
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